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Krytus K, Kruger JS, Homish GG. What Predicts Graduate Public Health Student Success? Evidence for Admission Committees in a Post-Affirmative Action Landscape. Public Health Rep 2024; 139:638-643. [PMID: 38504490 PMCID: PMC11344981 DOI: 10.1177/00333549241236151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A severe staff shortage and a dearth of professionals from underrepresented backgrounds in the public health workforce are contributing to poor health outcomes in the United States. Schools and programs can mitigate these problems by admitting more graduate public health students overall and from underrepresented backgrounds. We identified predictors of foundational graduate public health course grades and graduate grade point average (GPA), sharing evidence to remove application factors that are admission barriers and do not predict student outcomes. METHODS We conducted a linear regression analysis on demographic and academic factors from 564 graduate public health applications for students at the University at Buffalo who received their degree from January 1, 2016, to February 1, 2021, analyzing age, race and ethnicity, sex, income, undergraduate degree, verbal and quantitative Graduate Record Examination (GRE) percentiles, and undergraduate GPA. Outcomes were grades in foundational public health courses and cumulative graduate GPA. RESULTS Undergraduate GPA was the best predictor of graduate public health student success, explaining nearly 7% of foundational public health course grades and 29% of graduate GPA. Higher undergraduate GPA contributed to higher course grades and graduate GPA. GRE scores explained <1% of student outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Our findings add to the growing body of research showing that standardized test scores may not predict graduate student outcomes and provide further evidence for the field of public health to consider removing this admission barrier. By doing so, institutions could admit more students to graduate public health programs who can bring needed skills to the market, further diversifying the workforce and public health faculty, to better meet population health needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly Krytus
- University at Buffalo School of Public Health and Health Professions, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Jessica S. Kruger
- University at Buffalo School of Public Health and Health Professions, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Gregory G. Homish
- University at Buffalo School of Public Health and Health Professions, Buffalo, NY, USA
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Madsen ER, Schaffer K, Hare Bork R, Yeager VA. On-the-Job Learning: Bright Spots of Governmental Public Health Employee Reflections on the COVID-19 Response. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2024; 30:372-376. [PMID: 38489538 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000001880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
This article is one of 3 research briefs that highlight valuable experiences and opportunities that can be thought of as "bright spots" of the governmental public health workforce's pandemic response. Using PH WINS 2021 data, we qualitatively examined responses to an open-ended survey question about workforce experiences during the pandemic response. On-the-job learning was emphasized as a critical component of employees' experiences. Seven "on-the-job learning" subthemes were identified among 91 responses. Findings indicate that the pandemic facilitated opportunities for on-the-job learning for various skills and workplace activities. Public health employees were appreciative of the opportunity to gain new technical and practical skills including communicating with the public and to experience new roles and responsibilities. Respondents reported other related benefits including career growth and leadership opportunities. Highlighting these unexpected benefits of the COVID-19 pandemic is important for employee morale and continued workforce development planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie R Madsen
- Author Affiliations: Department of Communication Studies, Indiana University School of Liberal Arts, Indianapolis, Indiana (Ms Madsen); de Beaumont Foundation, Bethesda, Maryland (Ms Schaffer and Dr Hare Bork); and Department of Health Policy and Management, Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana (Dr Yeager)
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Gondi S, Chokshi DA. Cities as Platforms for Population Health: Past, Present, and Future. Milbank Q 2023; 101:242-282. [PMID: 37096598 PMCID: PMC10126988 DOI: 10.1111/1468-0009.12612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Policy Points
Cities have long driven innovation in public health in response to shifting trends in the burden of disease for populations. Today, the challenges facing municipal health departments include the persistent prevalence of chronic disease and deeply entrenched health inequities, as well as the evolving threats posed by climate change, political gridlock, and surging behavioral health needs.
Surmounting these challenges will require generational investment in local public health infrastructure, drawn both from new governmental allocation and from innovative financing mechanisms that allow public health agencies to capture more of the value they create for society.
Additional funding must be paired with the local development of public health data systems and the implementation of evidence‐based strategies, including community health workers and the co‐localization of clinical services and social resources as part of broader efforts to bridge the gap between public health and health care.
Above all, advancing urban health demands transformational public policy to tackle inequality and reduce poverty, to address racism as a public health crisis, and to decarbonize infrastructure. One strategy to help achieve these ambitious goals is for cities to organize into coalitions that harness their collective power as a force to improve population health globally.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dave A Chokshi
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine and City University of New York Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy
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Allen P, Parks RG, Kang SJ, Dekker D, Jacob RR, Mazzucca-Ragan S, Brownson RC. Practices Among Local Public Health Agencies to Support Evidence-Based Decision Making: A Qualitative Study. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2023; 29:213-225. [PMID: 36240510 PMCID: PMC9892206 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000001653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Evidence-based decision making (EBDM) capacity in local public health departments is foundational to meeting both organizational and individual competencies and fulfilling expanded roles. In addition to on-the-job training, organizational supports are needed to prepare staff; yet, less is known in this area. This qualitative study explores supportive management practices instituted as part of a training and technical assistance intervention. DESIGN This qualitative study used a semistructured interview guide to elicit participants' descriptions and perceptions via key informant interviews. Verbatim transcripts were coded and thematic analyses were conducted. SETTING Local public health departments in a US Midwestern state participated in the project. PARTICIPANTS Seventeen middle managers and staff from 4 local health departments participated in remote, audio-recorded interviews. INTERVENTION Following delivery of a 3½-day in-person training, the study team met with health department leadership teams for department selection of supportive agency policies and procedures to revise or newly create. Periodic remote meetings included collaborative problem-solving, sharing of informational resources, and encouragement. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Included management practices instituted to support EBDM and impact on day-to-day work as described by the interview participants. RESULTS Leadership and middle management practices deemed most helpful included dedicating staff; creating specific guidelines; setting expectations; and providing trainings, resources, and guidance. Health departments with a preexisting supportive organizational culture and climat e were able to move more quickly and fully to integrate supportive management practices. Workforce development included creation of locally tailored overviews for all staff members and onboarding of new staff. Staff wanted additional hands-on skill-building trainings. Several worked with partners to incorporate evidence-based processes into community health improvement plans. CONCLUSIONS Ongoing on-the-job experiential learning is needed to integrate EBDM principles into day-to-day public health practice. Management practices established by leadership teams and middle managers can create supportive work environments for EBDM integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peg Allen
- Prevention Research Center, Brown School (Drs Allen, Mazzucca-Ragan, and Brownson and Mss Parks, Kang, and Jacob), and Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center and Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine (Dr Brownson), Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri; Fredrick S. Pardee RAND Graduate School, RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California (Ms Kang); and National Association of County and City Officials, Washington, District of Columbia (Dr Dekker)
| | - Renee G. Parks
- Prevention Research Center, Brown School (Drs Allen, Mazzucca-Ragan, and Brownson and Mss Parks, Kang, and Jacob), and Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center and Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine (Dr Brownson), Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri; Fredrick S. Pardee RAND Graduate School, RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California (Ms Kang); and National Association of County and City Officials, Washington, District of Columbia (Dr Dekker)
| | - Sarah J. Kang
- Prevention Research Center, Brown School (Drs Allen, Mazzucca-Ragan, and Brownson and Mss Parks, Kang, and Jacob), and Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center and Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine (Dr Brownson), Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri; Fredrick S. Pardee RAND Graduate School, RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California (Ms Kang); and National Association of County and City Officials, Washington, District of Columbia (Dr Dekker)
| | - Debra Dekker
- Prevention Research Center, Brown School (Drs Allen, Mazzucca-Ragan, and Brownson and Mss Parks, Kang, and Jacob), and Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center and Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine (Dr Brownson), Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri; Fredrick S. Pardee RAND Graduate School, RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California (Ms Kang); and National Association of County and City Officials, Washington, District of Columbia (Dr Dekker)
| | - Rebekah R. Jacob
- Prevention Research Center, Brown School (Drs Allen, Mazzucca-Ragan, and Brownson and Mss Parks, Kang, and Jacob), and Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center and Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine (Dr Brownson), Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri; Fredrick S. Pardee RAND Graduate School, RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California (Ms Kang); and National Association of County and City Officials, Washington, District of Columbia (Dr Dekker)
| | - Stephanie Mazzucca-Ragan
- Prevention Research Center, Brown School (Drs Allen, Mazzucca-Ragan, and Brownson and Mss Parks, Kang, and Jacob), and Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center and Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine (Dr Brownson), Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri; Fredrick S. Pardee RAND Graduate School, RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California (Ms Kang); and National Association of County and City Officials, Washington, District of Columbia (Dr Dekker)
| | - Ross C. Brownson
- Prevention Research Center, Brown School (Drs Allen, Mazzucca-Ragan, and Brownson and Mss Parks, Kang, and Jacob), and Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center and Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine (Dr Brownson), Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri; Fredrick S. Pardee RAND Graduate School, RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California (Ms Kang); and National Association of County and City Officials, Washington, District of Columbia (Dr Dekker)
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Nganga-Good C, Chayhitz M, McLaine P. Overcoming barriers and improving public health nursing practice. Public Health Nurs 2023; 40:114-123. [PMID: 36285363 DOI: 10.1111/phn.13139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Public health nurses (PHN) are critical to ensuring the health of communities. Absent the most basic information on the PHN workforce in our state, we conducted interviews with 21 PHN and school health nurse (SHN) leaders and an online survey of PHNs and SHNs practicing in Maryland (N = 491). Our study identified an older, very experienced, and well-educated workforce. Both the interviews and survey identified similar barriers: low salaries, recruitment and hiring challenges, limited funding for public health programs, and no opportunities for education or career advancement. Survey participants also identified barriers of inadequate leadership, recognition, and communication including PHNs not being represented at decision-making tables or at the state leadership level. Strategies to promote public health nursing from leaders and survey participants were similar: increasing awareness about what public health and PHNs do and their value; improving advocacy and stakeholder engagement; improving access and availability of services; improving PHN leadership representation at the state level; a improving PHN salaries and benefits including tuition reimbursement. Although results were similar to national studies, comprehensive, granular workforce data is critical to ensure the public health workforce can meet current and emerging public health needs and that public health infrastructure and services are appropriately funded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn Nganga-Good
- Maryland Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Public Health Nurse Leader, 2015-2017, Princeton, New Jersey
| | - Mattison Chayhitz
- Former Graduate Research Assistant at University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Pat McLaine
- Retired Specialty Director, Community Public Health Nursing Master's Program, University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland
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Balio CP, Galler N, Meit M, Hale N, Beatty KE. Rising to Meet the Moment: What Does the Public Health Workforce Need to Modernize? JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2023; 29:S107-S115. [PMID: 36223506 PMCID: PMC10573113 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000001624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study uses findings from the most recent iterations of the Public Health Workforce Interest and Needs Survey (PH WINS) to describe importance, skill level, and gaps of key public health competencies as well as characteristics associated with gaps. DESIGN Repeated cross-sectional analysis of the 2017 and 2021 PH WINS data. SETTING State and local health departments. PARTICIPANTS Nationally representative population of state and local governmental public health workers. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Gaps of key public health competencies related to data, evidence-based approaches, health equity and social justice, factors that affect public health, cross-sectoral partnerships, and community health assessments and improvement plans. Gaps reflect areas of high importance and low skill level. Differences in gaps among the traditional public health workforce and those hired specifically for COVID-19 response. RESULTS For most competency areas, more than 20% of the public health workforce perceived a gap. Gaps related to environmental factors that affect public health, social determinants of health and cross-sector partnerships, and community health assessments and improvement plans were the largest. Tenure in public health practice, highest level of education, and having formal public health training were associated with lower odds of gaps in most areas. In a secondary analysis of traditional public health workforce compared with those hired specifically for COVID-19 response, those hired for COVID-19 response reported significantly fewer gaps for all but one competency considered. CONCLUSIONS A substantial proportion of the public health workforce perceives gaps in competency areas that are of high importance to the evolving role of public health. As public health continues to adjust and modernize in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and other historic changes, understanding and addressing training needs of the workforce will be instrumental to public health's ability to respond to the needs of the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey P. Balio
- Center for Rural Health Research (Drs Balio and Beatty, Ms Galler, and Mr Meit) and Department of Health Services Management and Policy (Drs Balio, Hale, and Beatty, Ms Galler, and Mr Meit), College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee
| | - Nicole Galler
- Center for Rural Health Research (Drs Balio and Beatty, Ms Galler, and Mr Meit) and Department of Health Services Management and Policy (Drs Balio, Hale, and Beatty, Ms Galler, and Mr Meit), College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee
| | - Michael Meit
- Center for Rural Health Research (Drs Balio and Beatty, Ms Galler, and Mr Meit) and Department of Health Services Management and Policy (Drs Balio, Hale, and Beatty, Ms Galler, and Mr Meit), College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee
| | - Nathan Hale
- Center for Rural Health Research (Drs Balio and Beatty, Ms Galler, and Mr Meit) and Department of Health Services Management and Policy (Drs Balio, Hale, and Beatty, Ms Galler, and Mr Meit), College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee
| | - Kate E. Beatty
- Center for Rural Health Research (Drs Balio and Beatty, Ms Galler, and Mr Meit) and Department of Health Services Management and Policy (Drs Balio, Hale, and Beatty, Ms Galler, and Mr Meit), College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee
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Cain C, Hunt DC, Armstrong M, Collie-Akers VL, Ablah E. Reasons for Turnover of Kansas Public Health Officials during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14321. [PMID: 36361202 PMCID: PMC9655751 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Public health officials played a critical role in COVID-19 mitigation and response efforts. In Kansas, 51 local health department (LHD) administrators and/or local health officers left their positions due to the pandemic between 15 March 2020 and 31 August 2021. The purpose of this study was to identify factors that led to turnover of Kansas local public health officials during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those eligible to participate in this study included former LHD administrators and/or health officers who were employed at or contracted by a Kansas LHD on 15 March 2020 and resigned, retired, or were asked to resign prior to 31 August 2021. Researchers used a demographic survey, a focus group, and key informant interviews to collect data. Twelve former LHD leaders participated in this study. Four themes emerged from phenomenological analysis: politicization of public health; a perceived lack of support; stress and burnout; and the public health infrastructure not working. The findings of this study can guide the Kansas public health system to address the issues leading to turnover of leadership and prevent future turnover. Future research must explore strategies for mitigating leadership turnover and identify alternative public health structures that could be more effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristi Cain
- Kansas Department of Health and Environment, 1000 SW Jackson St, Topeka, KS 66612, USA
| | - D. Charles Hunt
- Johnson County Department of Health and Environment, 11875 S Sunset Dr., Olathe, KS 66061, USA
| | - Melissa Armstrong
- Department of Population Health, University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita, 1010 N Kansas, Wichita, KS 67214, USA
| | - Vicki L. Collie-Akers
- Department of Population Health, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, MS 1008, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Elizabeth Ablah
- Department of Population Health, University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita, 1010 N Kansas, Wichita, KS 67214, USA
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Penna AR, Hunter JC, Sanchez GV, Mohelsky R, Barnes LEA, Benowitz I, Crist MB, Dozier TR, Elbadawi LI, Glowicz JB, Jones H, Keaton AA, Ogundimu A, Perkins KM, Perz JF, Powell KM, Cochran RL, Stone ND, White KA, Weil LM. Evaluation of a Virtual Training to Enhance Public Health Capacity for COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control in Nursing Homes. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2022; 28:682-692. [PMID: 36194814 PMCID: PMC9528934 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000001600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Between April 2020 and May 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) awarded more than $40 billion to health departments nationwide for COVID-19 prevention and response activities. One of the identified priorities for this investment was improving infection prevention and control (IPC) in nursing homes. PROGRAM CDC developed a virtual course to train new and less experienced public health staff in core healthcare IPC principles and in the application of CDC COVID-19 healthcare IPC guidance for nursing homes. IMPLEMENTATION From October 2020 to August 2021, the CDC led training sessions for 12 cohorts of public health staff using pretraining reading materials, case-based scenarios, didactic presentations, peer-learning opportunities, and subject matter expert-led discussions. Multiple electronic assessments were distributed to learners over time to measure changes in self-reported knowledge and confidence and to collect feedback on the course. Participating public health programs were also assessed to measure overall course impact. EVALUATION Among 182 enrolled learners, 94% completed the training. Most learners were infection preventionists (42%) or epidemiologists (38%), had less than 1 year of experience in their health department role (75%), and had less than 1 year of subject matter experience (54%). After training, learners reported increased knowledge and confidence in applying the CDC COVID-19 healthcare IPC guidance for nursing homes (≥81%) with the greatest increase in performing COVID-19 IPC consultations and assessments (87%). The majority of participating programs agreed that the course provided an overall benefit (88%) and reduced training burden (72%). DISCUSSION The CDC's virtual course was effective in increasing public health capacity for COVID-19 healthcare IPC in nursing homes and provides a possible model to increase IPC capacity for other infectious diseases and other healthcare settings. Future virtual healthcare IPC courses could be enhanced by tailoring materials to health department needs, reinforcing training through applied learning experiences, and supporting mechanisms to retain trained staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin R. Penna
- Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jennifer C. Hunter
- Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Guillermo V. Sanchez
- Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Romy Mohelsky
- Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Laura E. A. Barnes
- Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Isaac Benowitz
- Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Matthew B. Crist
- Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Tiffany R. Dozier
- Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Lina I. Elbadawi
- Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Janet B. Glowicz
- Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Heather Jones
- Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Amelia A. Keaton
- Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Abimbola Ogundimu
- Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Kiran M. Perkins
- Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Joseph F. Perz
- Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Krista M. Powell
- Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Ronda L. Cochran
- Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Nimalie D. Stone
- Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Katelyn A. White
- Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Lauren M. Weil
- Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
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Bishai DM, Resnick B, Lamba S, Cardona C, Leider JP, McCullough JM, Gemmill A. Being Accountable for Capability-Getting Public Health Reform Right This Time. Am J Public Health 2022; 112:1374-1378. [PMID: 35952330 PMCID: PMC9480453 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2022.306975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David M Bishai
- David M. Bishai, Beth Resnick, Sneha Lamba, Carolina Cardona, and Alison Gemmill are with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD. Jonathon P. Leider is with the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis. At the time of writing, J. Mac McCullough was with Arizona State University, Phoenix
| | - Beth Resnick
- David M. Bishai, Beth Resnick, Sneha Lamba, Carolina Cardona, and Alison Gemmill are with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD. Jonathon P. Leider is with the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis. At the time of writing, J. Mac McCullough was with Arizona State University, Phoenix
| | - Sneha Lamba
- David M. Bishai, Beth Resnick, Sneha Lamba, Carolina Cardona, and Alison Gemmill are with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD. Jonathon P. Leider is with the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis. At the time of writing, J. Mac McCullough was with Arizona State University, Phoenix
| | - Carolina Cardona
- David M. Bishai, Beth Resnick, Sneha Lamba, Carolina Cardona, and Alison Gemmill are with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD. Jonathon P. Leider is with the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis. At the time of writing, J. Mac McCullough was with Arizona State University, Phoenix
| | - Jonathon P Leider
- David M. Bishai, Beth Resnick, Sneha Lamba, Carolina Cardona, and Alison Gemmill are with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD. Jonathon P. Leider is with the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis. At the time of writing, J. Mac McCullough was with Arizona State University, Phoenix
| | - J Mac McCullough
- David M. Bishai, Beth Resnick, Sneha Lamba, Carolina Cardona, and Alison Gemmill are with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD. Jonathon P. Leider is with the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis. At the time of writing, J. Mac McCullough was with Arizona State University, Phoenix
| | - Alison Gemmill
- David M. Bishai, Beth Resnick, Sneha Lamba, Carolina Cardona, and Alison Gemmill are with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD. Jonathon P. Leider is with the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis. At the time of writing, J. Mac McCullough was with Arizona State University, Phoenix
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Regional Public Health Training Centers: An Essential Partner in Workforce Development. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2022; 28:S199-S202. [PMID: 35867489 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000001516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Perceptions of Barriers: An Examination of Public Health Practice in Kansas. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095513. [PMID: 35564905 PMCID: PMC9102560 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Public health and healthcare professionals perform a wide variety of services for their communities, and serve in important and often overlapping roles, particularly in rural communities. In this qualitative study, public health practitioners in Kansas were asked about their perceptions of barriers to public health and vulnerable people in their communities. Participants from across Kansas were interviewed via teleconferencing, telephone, or email, and emergent themes were identified using qualitative thematic analysis. While asked about public health specifically, during interviews, many participants discussed barriers to healthcare as well. The top barriers to effective public health practice identified in this study were funding, education, accessibility, and affordability. Others included politics, transportation, and the need to expand Medicare and Medicaid. The populations believed most vulnerable in their communities were community members living in poverty, elderly people, and other marginalized populations. Our findings suggest public health practitioners in Kansas observe a lack of understanding and knowledge in their communities about public health, along with the recognition that a lack of accessibility and affordability to health services are barriers to effective public health practice.
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Taylor HL, Yeager VA. Core Competency Gaps Among Governmental Public Health Employees With and Without a Formal Public Health Degree. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2021; 27:20-29. [PMID: 31688737 PMCID: PMC7190420 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000001071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the role of a formal public health degree as it relates to core competency needs among governmental public health employees. DESIGN This cross-sectional study utilizes the 2017 Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey (PH WINS). Bivariate relationships were analyzed by conducting χ tests of respondents' supervisory level and reported skill gaps. Multivariate logistic regressions of reported skill gaps were performed holding gender, age, race/ethnicity, highest degree attained, current employer, role type, tenure in current agency, and public health certificate attainment constant. SETTING Nationally representative sample of government public health employees. PARTICIPANTS A total of 30 276 governmental public health employees. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Self-reported competency skills gaps. RESULTS Among nonsupervisors, those with a public health degree had significantly lower odds of reporting a competency gap for 8 of the 21 skills assessed. Among supervisors/managers, those who had a formal public health degree had significantly lower odds of reporting a competency gap in 3 of the 22 skills assessed. Having a degree in public health was not significantly related to an executive's likelihood of reporting a skill gap across any of the 22 skills assessed. Regardless of supervisory level, having a public health degree was not associated with a reduced likelihood of reporting skill gaps in effective communication, budgeting and financial management, or change management competency domains. CONCLUSIONS Possessing a formal public health degree appears to have greater value for skills required at the nonsupervisor and supervisor/manager levels than for skills needed at the executive level. Future work should focus on longitudinal evaluations of skill gaps reported among the public health workforce as changes in public health curricula may shift over time in response to newly revised accreditation standards. In addition, public health education should increase emphasis on communication, budgeting, systems thinking, and other management skills among their graduates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather L Taylor
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Indiana University Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indianapolis, Indiana
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Austhof E, Brown HE. Flexibility and partnerships perceived as supportive of dual hazard response: COVID-19 and heat related illness, Summer 2020. THE JOURNAL OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND HEALTH 2021; 4:100068. [PMID: 34661192 PMCID: PMC8502081 DOI: 10.1016/j.joclim.2021.100068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To understand how health departments implemented the response to the dual hazards of Heat Related Illness (HRI) and COVID-19 in Summer 2020. METHODS We interviewed five health jurisdictions with a Building Resilience Against Climate Effects (BRACE) Framework HRI project to understand impacts to organizational roles and preparedness activities, capacity to respond to the heat season, challenges experienced with resources and personnel, and how partners influenced their capacity to respond to dual hazards. RESULTS Health jurisdictions working in both heat preparedness and on the COVID-19 response highlighted three components as integral to maintaining public health capacity throughout the pandemic: 1) adapting to changing roles and responsibilities, 2) building and strengthening inter-organizational partnerships, and 3) maintaining flexibility through cross-training as themes to maintain the public health capacity throughout the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS With impacts of the changing climate, including resultant extreme events with subsequent public health impacts, simultaneous responses are likely to arise again in the future. Developing cross-training programs, fostering flexibility and adaptability within the workforce, and building and sustaining external partnerships can support health departments anticipating the need to respond to simultaneous public health hazards in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Austhof
- University of Arizona, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Heidi E Brown
- University of Arizona, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Tucson, AZ, USA
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Leider JP, Sellers K, Owens-Young J, Guerrero-Ramirez G, Bogaert K, Gendelman M, Castrucci BC. Determinants of workplace perceptions among federal, state, and local public health staff in the US, 2014 to 2017. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1654. [PMID: 34507578 PMCID: PMC8431955 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11703-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The governmental public health workforce in the United States comprises almost 300,000 staff at federal, state, and local levels. The workforce is poised for generational change, experiencing significant levels of retirement. However, intent to leave for other reasons is also substantial, and diversity is lacking in the workforce. Methods Workforce perception data from 76,000 staff from Health and Human Services (HHS) including 14,000 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were analyzed across 2014 and 2017. Additionally, data from 32,000 state and local health department staff in 46 agencies reporting in both years. Estimates were constructed accounting for survey design and non-response. Results In 2017, women made up 43% of the total US government workforce and 33% of supervisors or higher, compared to 73 and 68% generally in State Health Agencies (p < .0001); and 62% vs 52% in HHS (p < .0001). Among state staff, intent to leave increased from 22 to 31% (p < .0001), but fell in 2017 from 33 to 28% for HHS (p < .0001). Correlates of intent to leave included low job satisfaction, pay satisfaction, and agency type. Federal entities saw the highest proportion respondents that indicated they would recommend their organization as a good place to work. Conclusions While intent to leave fell at federal agencies from 2014 to 2017, it increased among staff in state and local health departments. Additionally, while public health is more diverse than the US government overall, significant underrepresentation is observed in supervisory positions for staff of color, especially women. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-11703-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathon P Leider
- University of Minnesota School of Public Health, D312 Mayo Building, MMC 729, 420 Delaware St. SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
| | - Katie Sellers
- de Beaumont Foundation, 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1310e, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Jessica Owens-Young
- American University, 4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington DC, 20016, USA
| | | | - Kyle Bogaert
- Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, 2231 Crystal Drive, Suite 450, Arlington, VA, 22202, USA
| | - Moriah Gendelman
- de Beaumont Foundation, 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1310e, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Brian C Castrucci
- de Beaumont Foundation, 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1310e, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
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Sainkhuu S, Cunha-Cruz J, Rogers M, Knerr S, Bekemeier B. Evaluation of Training Gaps Among Public Health Practitioners in Washington State. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2021; 27:473-483. [PMID: 32810065 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000001184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Identifying training gaps in public health competencies and skills is a first step in developing priorities for advancing the workforce. OBJECTIVE Our purpose was to identify training gaps in competencies and skills among local, state, and nonjurisdictional public health employees in Washington State. Our secondary aim was to determine whether training gaps differed by employees' work-related and demographic characteristics. DESIGN We used data from our training needs assessment of the public health workforce, conducted as an online cross-sectional survey in Spring/Summer of 2016. RESPONDENTS AND SETTING Employees from governmental local, state, and nonjurisdictional public health departments in Washington State. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Training gaps were calculated for 8 public health competencies and 8 skills, using a composite score of respondents' ratings of their "training confidence" and "training need." For each domain and skill area, we calculated the percentage of associated items, where respondents rated their training needs as high and their confidence as low to create scores ranging from 0% to 100%. RESULTS The largest training gaps in public health competencies were in the Financial Planning and Policy Development domains. For skills, Quality Improvement and Developing Effective Communication Campaigns had the largest training gaps. In adjusted models, female employees or employees working in local health departments in select Washington State regions had higher training gaps in Financial Planning, Policy Development, and Quality Improvement, relative to male or state health department employees. Employees who worked in specialized programs, such as Communicable Disease Control, and Maternal, Child, and Family Health, had higher training gaps in Financial Planning and Developing Effective Communication Campaigns than those who worked in Administrative and Support Services. CONCLUSIONS We identified important training gaps in several competency domains and skills. Findings are informing decisions about tailoring training opportunities for public health practitioners in Washington and other states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solongo Sainkhuu
- Departments of Oral Health Sciences, School of Dentistry (Dr Cunha-Cruz) and Health Services, School of Public Health (Drs Cunha-Cruz, Knerr, and Bekemeier and Ms Rogers), University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; and Northwest Center for Public Health Practice, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington (Ms Rogers and Dr Bekemeier)
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DeSalvo K, Hughes B, Bassett M, Benjamin G, Fraser M, Galea S, Gracia JN. Public Health COVID-19 Impact Assessment: Lessons Learned and Compelling Needs. NAM Perspect 2021; 2021:202104c. [PMID: 34532688 PMCID: PMC8406505 DOI: 10.31478/202104c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Karen DeSalvo
- Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin
| | | | | | | | | | | | - J Nadine Gracia
- Trust for America's Health; and Jeffrey Howard, MD, MBA, MPH, former Public Health Commissioner, Kentucky
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Waterfield KC, Shah GH, Kimsey L, Mase W, Yin J. Public Health Employees' Perceptions about the Impact of Emerging Public Health Trends on Their Day-to-Day Work: Effects of Organizational Climate and Culture. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:1703. [PMID: 33578845 PMCID: PMC7916543 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this research was to assess the workforce characteristics associated with public health employees' perceived impact of emerging trends in public health on their day-to-day work. Methods: Multinomial logistic regression was performed to analyze data from the 2017 PH WINS, a cross-sectional survey utilizing a nationally representative sample of the United States public health workforce. Results: More than 55% of the public health workforce perceived that their day-to-day work was impacted by the emerging public health trends. Workplace environment was significantly associated with the perception of their day-to-day work being impacted by emerging public health trends such as quality improvement (QI) (AOR = 1.04, p < 0.001), and evidence-based public health practice (EBPH) (AOR = 1.04, p < 0.001). Race, ethnicity, and educational status were also positively associated with the perceived impact of the emerging public health trends. Conclusions: The organizational culture of a public health agency influences the engagement of the workforce and their perception of the meaningfulness of their work. As practitioners shift into chief health strategists, it will be imperative for them to have training in public health foundations and tools in order to efficiently serve their communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristie C. Waterfield
- Department of Health Policy and Community Health, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA 30460, USA; (G.H.S.); (L.K.); (W.M.)
| | - Gulzar H. Shah
- Department of Health Policy and Community Health, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA 30460, USA; (G.H.S.); (L.K.); (W.M.)
| | - Linda Kimsey
- Department of Health Policy and Community Health, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA 30460, USA; (G.H.S.); (L.K.); (W.M.)
| | - William Mase
- Department of Health Policy and Community Health, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA 30460, USA; (G.H.S.); (L.K.); (W.M.)
| | - Jingjing Yin
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Environmental Health Sciences, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA 30460, USA;
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Gerding JA, Hall SK, Gumina CO. Exploring the Benefits and Value of Public Health Department Internships for Environmental Health Students. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2020; 83:20-25. [PMID: 34140748 PMCID: PMC8205434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Internships are an essential component of preparing prospective college graduates for entering the practice-based field of environmental health (EH). EH professionals continually encounter events or hazards of high complexity and impact, and many experienced EH professionals are expected to retire within the next several years. Efforts are needed to ensure a supply of highly qualified and prepared graduates is available to sustain and strengthen the EH workforce. The National Environmental Public Health Internship Program (NEPHIP) addresses this need by supporting health department internships for EH students of academic programs accredited by the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council. We conducted an assessment to examine former NEPHIP intern and mentor experiences and perspectives on 1) how well the internships prepared interns for careers in EH and 2) to what extent the internships provided value to the host health department. Overall, the internships appeared to provide EH students with a well-rounded professional and practice-based experience, while health departments benefited from hosting interns with a foundational knowledge and college education in EH. Promoting the value of public health department EH internships could encourage more students and graduates to seek internship or employment opportunities with health departments, ultimately strengthening the EH workforce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin A Gerding
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
| | - S Kayleigh Hall
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education
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Sellers K, Leider JP, Bogaert K, Allen JD, Castrucci BC. Making a Living in Governmental Public Health: Variation in Earnings by Employee Characteristics and Work Setting. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2020; 25 Suppl 2, Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey 2017:S87-S95. [PMID: 30720621 PMCID: PMC6519878 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000000935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT This article examines factors related to earnings in the context of the governmental public health system's urgent need to recruit and retain trained public health workers as many in the existing workforce move toward retirement. METHODS This article characterizes annualized earnings from state and local public health practitioners in 2017, using data from the 2017 Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey (PH WINS), which was fielded in fall/winter 2017 to more than 100 000 state and local public health practitioners in the United States. The response consisted of 47 604 public health workers for a response rate of 48%.We performed descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, and interval-based regression techniques to explore relationships between annualized earnings, supervisory status, gender, years of experience, highest degree (and whether it was a public health degree), job classification, race/ethnicity, union/bargaining unit, paid as salary or hourly wage, setting, and region. RESULTS Higher supervisory status, higher educational attainment, white non-Hispanic race/ethnicity, male gender, salaried employment, bargaining unit (labor union) position, certain geographic regions, having a clinical/laboratory/other scientific position, and working in either a state health agency (SHA) or a large local health department (LHD) setting are all associated with higher salary. Having a public health degree versus a degree in another area did not appear to increase earnings. Being a person of color was associated with earning $4000 less annually than white peers (P < .001), all else being equal. The overall regression model showed a gender wage gap of about $3000 for women (P = .018). Supervisors, clinical and laboratory staff, public health sciences staff, and union staff also earned more than their counterparts. DISCUSSION As multiple factors continue to shape the public health workforce, including increasing racial/ethnic diversity, continued retirements of baby boomers, and the growth of bachelor's-level public health education, researchers should continue to monitor the gender and racial/ethnic pay gaps. This information should help the field of governmental public health as it endeavors to rebuild its capacity while current workers, many at the highest level of leadership, move on to retirement or other jobs. Public health leaders must prioritize equitable pay across gender and race/ethnicity within their own departments as they build their organizations' capacity to achieve health equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Sellers
- de Beaumont Foundation, Bethesda, Maryland (Drs Sellers and Castrucci); Division of Health Policy & Management, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota (Dr Leider); Workforce Research, Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO), Arlington, Virginia (Ms Bogaert); and Department of Community Health, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts (Dr Allen)
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The Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey (PH WINS 2017): An Expanded Perspective on the State Health Agency Workforce. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2020; 25 Suppl 2, Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey 2017:S16-S25. [PMID: 30720614 PMCID: PMC6519868 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000000932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Context: Workforce surveillance efforts have long been called for in public health: the Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey (PH WINS) answers that call. Objective: To characterize the state of the governmental public health workforce among State Health Agency-Central Office (SHA-CO) staff across the United States. Design: The SHA leadership were contacted and invited to have their agency participate in PH WINS 2017 as a census-based fielding. Participating agencies provided staff lists, and staff were then directly invited by e-mail to participate in a Web-based survey. Pearson and Rao-Scott χ2 analyses are employed in descriptive analyses. Balanced repeated replication weights account for design and nonresponse. Setting and Participants: SHA-CO staff. Main Outcome Measures: The PH WINS focuses on 4 primary domains: perceptions of workplace environment and job satisfaction, training needs, national trends, and demographics. In addition, measures of intent to leave and employee burnout are analyzed. Results: The state governmental public health workforce is primarily female (72%), non-Hispanic white (64%), and 46 years of age or older (59%). Nearly one-third (31%) of the workforce is older than 55 years, with 9% aged 30 years or younger. Overall, 74% of respondents indicated that they had at least a bachelor's degree, and 19% indicated having a public health degree of some kind. Seventy-nine percent of the respondents indicated that they were somewhat/very satisfied with their jobs. Approximately 47% of SHA-CO staff say that they are considering leaving or are planning to retire. With respect to training needs, the largest overall gaps for the state health agency workforce were observed in budget and financial management, systems and strategic thinking, and developing a vision for a healthy community. Conclusions: PH WINS represents the first nationally representative survey of governmental public health staff in the United States. It holds potential for wide usage from novel workforce research to identifying and helping address practice-based needs.
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Leider JP, Sellers K, Bogaert K, Castrucci BC, Erwin PC. Master's-Level Education in the Governmental Public Health Workforce. Public Health Rep 2020; 135:650-657. [PMID: 32755499 DOI: 10.1177/0033354920943519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES More than 16 000 graduate degrees in public health are awarded annually. Yet only 14% of the governmental public health workforce has formal public health training of any kind, and 8% has a master of public health (MPH) degree. We characterized the differences among governmental staff members with master's degrees across US health departments. METHODS We used data from the 2017 Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey, a national survey of state and local public health departments (43 669 responses; response rate, 48%). We examined the characteristics of the workforce by educational attainment and compared respondents who had obtained a "terminal" (ie, highest degree obtained) MPH degree with respondents who had obtained a terminal non-public health (non-PH) master's degree. RESULTS Respondents who had a non-PH master's degree were as likely as respondents who had an MPH degree to hold a supervisory role (43% vs 41%; P = .67). We found only 1 significant difference between the 2 groups: respondents aged ≤40 with a terminal MPH degree were significantly less likely than respondents aged ≤40 with a non-PH master's degree to earn more than the national average salary (adjusted odds ratio = 0.67; 95% CI, 0.47-0.97; P = .03). CONCLUSIONS We found only marginal differences in career outcomes for people working in governmental public health who had a terminal MPH degree vs a terminal non-PH master's degree. This finding does not necessitate a full reconsideration of the MPH as it relates to governmental public health practice but a greater recognition that there are multiple paths into practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathon P Leider
- 5635 School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Kyle Bogaert
- 8281 Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, Arlington, VA, USA
| | | | - Paul C Erwin
- 48653 School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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Abouee-Mehrizi A, Rasoulzadeh Y, Kazemi T, Mesgari-Abbasi M. Inflammatory and immunological changes caused by noise exposure: A systematic review. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART C, TOXICOLOGY AND CARCINOGENESIS 2020; 38:61-90. [PMID: 32397946 DOI: 10.1080/26896583.2020.1715713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Today, due to the growth of industries and spread of the use of various instruments and devices that produce high noise levels, it is necessary to pay more attention to the effects of exposure to noise on organs and tissues in the body. The importance of the immune system in fighting external and pathogenic factors has raised the need to consider external factors (such as harmful physical factors) and make efforts to avoid producing them. In this systematic review, 811 potentially relevant studies were found in Google Scholar, PubMed, and Web of Science databases, of which 32 different English-written articles were included in the study. The method of searching and systematically reviewing articles was based on the assessment tool of the multiple systematic reviews (AMSTAR) method. The results of this study suggested that noise could affect the function of the immune system and its components by affecting other systems and organs of the body, including the central nervous system, auditory system, circulatory system, and endocrine gland. Moreover, it can be hypothesized that noise affects immune system by producing the NADPH oxidase (Nox) and reactive oxygen species (ROS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirreza Abouee-Mehrizi
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Yahya Rasoulzadeh
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Tohid Kazemi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mehran Mesgari-Abbasi
- Drug Applied Research Center (DARC), Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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